There are many different things to consider when choosing where to visit and live in the Middle East. Two cities on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula serve as great booming metropolises, both open to westerners. They contain stable economies and beautiful sights. Living in Doha, Qatar and living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates are both great options, as they are both beautiful cities to visit, live and work in.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have some things in common. Firstly, both countries were ruled by Britain until 1971, when they gained independence. Secondly, both of their economies are heavily tied with oil and natural gas, and both have been trying to rectify that, Dubai with tourism, Doha with other industries. Both Dubai and Doha have been attracting foreign investments and diversification for many years, and both are ruled by a constitutional monarchy. Islam is the majority religion of both regions. Finally, the majority of both Dubai and Doha’s populations are ex-patriots.
After that, there are many differences. Industrial production growth in Qatar is 27% as compared to the United Arab Emirates’ 2.3%. Public debt is less in Qatar. Qatar boasts higher literacy for its citizens. Also, press freedom has been stressed in the region, and the famous television station Al-Jazeera takes its roots in Qatar. Qatar has a greater GDP per capita (an estimated $88,222), and a higher GDP growth rate than the United Arab Emirates. Qatar has been called the world’s richest country by Forbes magazine, where the United Arab Emirates ranked sixth. In the past ten years alone, the economic growth is visible in changes that have been made to Doha’s skyline. Working in Qataris generally a great experience due to no income taxes and benefits that sometimes involve companies paying for gas, rent or electricity. Doha is quickly rivaling and sometimes surpassing Dubai in other areas such as shopping . When thinking of Doha, foreigners should think of the translation of the name, which means “the big tree”. That name can indicate the huge amount of growth , with an average growth of about 9% per year.
Living in Dubai can be a more cosmopolitan, metropolitan experience, as the city has made a hard push in the tourism industry. Population is larger in Dubai, however the majority of Qatar’s population live in the city of Doha, whereas Dubai contains only a portion of those living in the United Arab Emirates. Qatar’s government has focused on bringing foreigners into the city, as they would rather have outsiders working and living in Doha, Qatar than just visiting. The Qatar National Vision 2030 envisions the growth of the expatriate labor force and unparalleled expansion.
Qatar has been ranked as more peaceful by the Global Peace Index, as Qatar has been ranked as the 19th most peaceful country and the United Arab Emirates was rated as the 36th. The crime rate is generally low. Living in United Arab Emirates can be difficult due to the fact that the country still uses sharia courts, which have been banned in Qatar since 2003. Dubai has been the site of conferences, and sports activities like horse racing that Doha does not offer, however Doha is very internationally active, serving as a conference location for many organizations such as the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC), the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCC), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Affordable apartments are available to rent or purchase in the beautiful city of Doha, including such luxurious sections as beautiful Pearl quarter (which is an island in development since 2007). Business men and women have traveled across the globe to be a part of the world’s richest country. To buy property or to browse rentals online today, visit COREO‘s comprehensive list of properties.